Autism Speaks has a large database of apps for helping those with autism. Apps are listed in alphabetical order and there are filters for searching the database. You can search by the function of the app, type of device, age range, and keywords. In addition to user ratings, a research rating of “anecdotal”, “research” and “evidence” is also listed for each app.

iAutism is a great web site for learning about apps and technology for individuals with autism and other special needs. We would like to thank iAutism for their excellent review of both the English and Spanish versions of SpeakColors. Click here to read the review in Spanish.

The latest update for SpeakColorsHD includes a number of changes, including iOS 7 compatibility and new sentence types for the color “orange”. SpeakColorsHD version 3.2.1 is currently waiting for review by Apple. Please continue reading to learn more about the upcoming changes.

*** Update 11/25/2013 ***
SpeakColorsHD version 3.2.1 is now available for download on the App Store.

1. iOS 7 compatible.

iOS 7 is the latest version of the iPad operating system. iOS 7 features a new, minimalist, flat design. SpeakColorsHD now uses the design style of iOS 7.

2. Three new sentence types.

We have received many requests for more sentence types that use the color “orange”. Two out of the three new sentence types can be used with the color “orange”.I like the __ __I want an __ __I want a __ __

3. Removed male default voice. Default voice is now female.

Many of our users were not satisfied with the male default voice, so we made the decision to remove it.

4. Take photos with built-in device camera.

You now have more customization options. Now you can take photos and import them from within the app.

SpeakColors Español and SpeakColorsHD share the same core code. A nice side effect of this code sharing is that SpeakColorsHD gets Spanish Localization. The text on various buttons, pop-up windows, and various screens (such as Help), will show in Spanish if your iPad’s Language setting is on “Español”. Spanish language speakers could use SpeakColorsHD to learn English as a second language.

6. Preview in the “Add New Sentence” screen.

A preview of the sentence is displayed at the top of the “Add New Sentence” screen. This feature was developed for SpeakColors Español and it may also be useful for our SpeakColorsHD users. The preview provides a reminder for which sentence type/template and color you are working with. When you type text for a new noun or select a noun from the list, the preview automatically updates.

7. Cancel button in the “Edit Noun Text” screen.

For our user’s convenience, we have added a Cancel button to the screen for editing the text of a noun.

Summary

This update for SpeakColorsHD brings some exciting changes:

iOS 7 compatible.

3 new sentence types.

Removed male default voice. Default voice is now female.

Take photos with built-in device camera.

Spanish Localization of text for buttons, pop-up windows, various screens.

Preview in the “Add New Sentence” screen.

Cancel button in the “Edit Noun Text” screen.

SpeakColorsHD version 3.2.1 should be available for download by the end of November.

Thank you for reading. Please contact us if you have any questions. Reviews on the App Store are greatly appreciated.

*** Update 11/25/2013 ***
SpeakColorsHD version 3.2.1 is now available for download on the App Store.

This year’s ASHA Convention is November 14-16 in Chicago. This annual events brings together over 12,000 speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and other professionals. It provides a great opportunity to hear the latest in research, gain new skills and network with others in your field. We really wish we could be there this year. Although we are not attending, we are having an App Sale in honor of the event. All our speech and language apps are on sale for the duration of the convention.

SpeakColors Español Lite is now available for the iPad on the App Store! In this free download, you will get a sample of the content in the full, PRO version.

Educational Value

SpeakColors is designed for speech therapists or parents working with toddlers with speech and language delays, autism, Down syndrome and other developmental disorders.

This app does much more than just teach colors. Use SpeakColors to improve the following:
– Receptive and expressive vocabulary skills
– Phrase length
– Spoken sentences
– Speech/Articulation skills
– Initiation and choice making skills for colors and objects
– Fluency skills

Try Before You Buy

This Lite version enables you to test drive the app before making a purchasing decision. Included in SpeakColors Español Lite:

An upgrade to the features of the full, Pro version is available on a separate, parent-oriented screen.

Availability

We want our apps to be available to as many people as possible. An iPad with iOS 5.1 or later is required. In other words, the app is supported on the 1st Generation iPad and above. SpeakColors Español Lite is available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Education category. The regular price for the Pro upgrade is $6.99 USD. As part of our ASHA 2013 Promotion, the upgrade to the Pro version is only $3.99 USD (November 14 – 16, 2013).

Summary

SpeakColors has tremendous educational value. Now you can try the Spanish version for free. For more information, please visit our SpeakColors page.

Thank you for reading! We would love to hear your feedback. Please leave a review on the App Store or send us an email.

An update to Speech Cards is now available! This important update makes Speech Cards compatible with iOS 7. It also includes two features suggested by our users to help improve the user experience.

1. iOS 7 Compatible

iOS 7 is the latest version of the iPhone/iPad operating system. iOS 7 features a new, minimalist, flat design. Speech Cards now uses the design style of iOS 7.

2. Green stop button during audio playback

Speech Cards features the ability to record and playback your voice. While recording, a red button appears for stopping the recording. However, during audio playback, the stop button is also red. This may cause confusion as to whether you are recording or playing the audio.

One of our users suggested a green stop button for audio playback. Speech Cards now has a green stop button during audio playback. Now you know if you are in record-mode or play-mode by the color of the stop button.

Stop Record Button

Stop Playback Button

3. Small “x” to erase the contents of a card’s text field

Speech Cards is designed to be easy to customize so you can create your own cards to suit the needs of your students. We have added a small “x” to erase the contents of a card’s text field. This speeds up the process of adding new cards. Thank you Special Apps, Special Kids for suggesting this feature.